Senior Courts Act 2016

Introduction

You could also call this:

"Bringing Laws Together for New Zealand's Courts"

This Act has several purposes. You will find these purposes listed below. The Act aims to bring together laws from the Judicature Act 1908 and the Supreme Court Act 2003 into one statute. It also continues the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. The Act provides for the constitution and jurisdiction of these courts. It also covers their practice and procedure. You can find information about the judicial and other officers in these courts. The Act makes provision for other related matters. It aims to improve the transparency of court arrangements while keeping judicial independence. This Act does not change New Zealand's commitment to the rule of law and the sovereignty of Parliament.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM5759202.

This page was last updated on 24 February 2026 — View changes

Highlights from this law

14: Jurisdiction in relation to persons who lack competence to manage their affairs

Court help for people who can't manage their own affairs

40: Arrest of defendant about to leave New Zealand

Stopping someone from leaving New Zealand to avoid paying a debt

41: Witness not required to attend hearing of civil proceeding unless allowances and expenses paid

You don't have to go to court unless you get paid for your time and travel.

44: High Court may require person to undergo medical examination

The High Court can make you have a medical check if it affects a court case.

87: Appointment of Registrar, Deputy Registrar, and other officers of Supreme Court

Who helps run the Supreme Court

93: Attorney-General to publish information concerning judicial appointment process

How Judges are Chosen: Information from the Attorney-General

162: Jurisdiction of court to award costs in all cases

The court can decide who pays costs in a case

164A: Registrar may refer plainly abusive civil proceeding to Judge

Court can stop cases that waste its time

Topics:

Crime and justice > Courts and legal help

1: Title, or

"The name of this law is the Senior Courts Act 2016"

Senior Courts Act 2016

Reprint as at:: 2026-02-17
Assent:: 2016-10-17
Commencement:: see section 2

The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

This Act is administered by the Ministry of Justice.